The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1887-12-28

Saltwater, Mimi. "Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1897.

to succeed in life was to start with the truth for
foundation and build honorably in the face OF
difficulties. One of the objects of the board was
to help men who go out of prison, to lead honor
able. useful lives. Their labors had been slow
but they were now getting to position when satis-
factory results were expected. He indorsed the
amusements and entertainments Sunday to
vary and relieve the tedium Of prison life. lie
believed it to be a means of dong good. He
wished us Merry Christmas, and said he would
be glad to aid any one in prison in any way his
position would warrant.
The address of Warden Stordock was brief and
to the point. He said he desired to talk to the
boys with whom he was associated every day. and
he would try and forget, for the time that there
was any one else present He referred to the first
sentence passed upon mankind. and its effect up
ON the then existing human race. and upon all fu-
ture generations. How the wise men of the early
generations hoped for pardon, and how the star
appeared heralding the tdngs that the pardon
had come. Christ was born. and all men were
pardoned by his coming. The great Importance of
their pardon wa: dwet upon, showing the COM
parative insigniiicance of an earthly pardon. lie
told US Of his early childhood, how he had looked
fancied he saw on the evening before at the close
of day-the coming of Christmas in the twilight.
Childhoods trust and hope and confidence was re-
called to many mind in that gathering, and when
the speaker said that if he could possess the pur-
ty and faith of that age he would willingly lay
down the burden of life and pass from earth there
was silence that echoed the sentiment from every
heart beneath the stripes. Brief reference was
H. ~ 4 -
ment of prisoners. and these were characterized
as being enemies of every human being except
themselves. He would recommend us to such men
as Messrs. Durant and Hart, who were known to
have hearts capable of brotherly feeling
and who would help us. He condemned in
forcible terms the custom followed by some who
on being discharged go Immediately to the near
est saloon. Such men were not worthy of assist
ance. The proper way to do was to begin now to
do right. If we were in the habit of lying or
swearing or doing any thing which we know to be
wrong, we should quit it at once and start on the
right course. He complimented the inmates on
their good behavior on last Fourth Of July and on
Thanksgiving. and hoped the same good order
would prevail during the afternoon. when all
would be allowed the freedom of the cell roo.ll
He wished us Merry Christmas.
Deputy Warden Westby regretted his inability
to make speech but expressed his gratitude to
those who had participated in the exercises and
especially to those who had Endorsed the efforts
of the officers to make the lives of all inmates
easier by introducing amusement. He then gave
the inmates instructions to dinner, the hours of
liberty in the cell room. etc.
Rev. Albert indorsed the sentiments of the war;
den, and said the surest way to get an earthly
pardon was to get the heavenly pardon first.
At the close of Rev. Albert remarks the au-
dience joined in singing, and the benediction was
pronounced. The march from the hall was to the
sweet notes of Home. Sweet Home'
The inmates on their way to their cells passed
first to the basement, where each one was served
2p.
Escalloped oysters mashed potatoes with gravy,
cold saw light biscuit coffee with milk and sugar.
apples cigars.
IN THE CELL ROOM.
At2 O'Clock the rapid unlocking of cells told us
that we were soon to be granted of the rights
of men. and all was anxiety until the bars were
simultaneously thrown; then such a shout went
up from four hundred and thirty throats as would
make any idle spectator think the millennium
at hand. And it is not strange when the reader
remembers that our tongues are unbridled but
three days out of the entire year. Then came
the greetings of friends, and Merry Christmas"
doubts the humane impulses of the inmates OF
this prison take glimpse at the passing events
of the three hours of liberty. Scattered through